What is the golden rule?
The answer of the Bible
The term "golden rule" does not appear in the Bible. Nevertheless, many use it for a rule of conduct that Jesus once formulated. In his well-known Sermon on the Mount, he said, "Always treat others ... always as you would have them treat you" (Matthew 7:12; Luke 6:31). Another rendering reads, "Whatever you want people to do to you, do it to them!" (Einheitsübersetzung, 2016).
What does the golden rule mean?
What makes the golden rule so special?
Is the golden rule about one's own advantage?
How can the golden rule be applied?
What does the golden rule mean?
The golden rule encourages us to treat others as we would like to be treated. Everyone wants to feel loved and be treated with respect and kindness. And of course, we should then treat others the same way (Luke 6:31).
What makes the golden rule so special?
The golden rule can be applied in practically all situations. For example
it strengthens marriage (Ephesians 5:28, 33),
it helps parents raise children (Ephesians 6:4),
it promotes good relations between friends, neighbors, and co-workers (Proverbs 3:27, 28; Colossians 3:13).
The principle of the golden rule is found in much of the Old Testament. Jesus said that this rule of conduct is even "the core statement of the Law [the first five books of the Bible] and the Prophets [the prophetic books]" (Matthew 7:12). The golden rule thus describes a principle from the Old Testament: loving one's neighbor (Romans 13:8-1.
Is the golden rule about personal gain?
No. The golden rule is mainly about being willing to do something for others. Jesus was talking here not only about how we should treat people in general, but also our enemies (Luke 6:27-31, 35). So the golden rule urges us to do good to everyone.
How can the golden rule be applied?
1. be attentive. We may observe someone struggling with their groceries, or hear about a neighbor who is in the hospital, or notice that a co-worker is not doing well. If we keep the interests of others in mind, we are sure to find opportunities to do good in word and deed (Philippians 2:4).
2. Be empathetic. Let's put ourselves in the other person's shoes. How would we feel in his place? (Romans 12:15). When you make an effort to understand the other person's feelings, you are more likely to be able to help him.
3. Be flexible. We all feel differently. What is good for us is not necessarily good for the other person. You might ask yourself, "What kind of help would the person most appreciate?" (1 Corinthians 10:24).
